Advantage of Private LessonsIndividual private lessons are simply the most effective method for students to improve their subject knowledge and greatly increase their test scores. (Click to learn more). |
Choosing a Private Tutor How can you ensure you select the right private tutor for you? Luckily, we have put together an easy to read guide to help you make the correct choice. (Click to learn more). |
Rates Click here to learn more about rates, for private lessons, package deals, available discounts, and cancellation policy. (Click to learn more). |
Location & Lesson DetailsClick here to learn more about lesson details including location, duration, timing, and teaching materials. (Click to learn more). |
Standardized Tests Preparing to take a standardized test? With our professional guidance you will be fully prepared and greatly improve your chances of significantly increasing your test scores. (Click to learn more). |
History of Tutors of Oxford The original Tutors of Oxford was co-founded in Hong Kong by Dr. Donnelly in 1993 and soon grew to become the territory's largest and most respected premium quality tutoring service. (Click to learn more) |
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SHSAT |
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The Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT) is an examination administered to eighth and ninth grade students residing in New York City and used to determine admission to all but one of the city's Specialized High Schools. The test is given in the Fall for admission the following school year. The competition for acceptance into the city's Specialized High Schools is extremely intense. For example, in November 2008, only 6,106 students were accepted out of 29,000 students, who applied. Hence, rigorous preparation is essential for success. Luckily, Dr. Donnelly, the city's leading private SHSAT tutor, is now accepting a limited number of students for private SHSAT tutoring and test preparation either online or in-person here in Manhattan. Places are strictly limited and tend to fill up rather quickly so please reserve your spot well in advance to avoid disappointment. Click on the relevant link below to learn more:
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Testimonials from some of Dr. Donnelly's recent SHSAT students
"Dr. Donnelly has tutored both my sons in preparation for the SHSATs with great success. His initial assessment of each of their capabilities followed by his clear, concise approach to both reviewing and teaching material is a great skill. As a parent of children in NYC public schools, where there is very limited one on one attention, I have found that the time spent with Dr. Donnelly is enormously beneficial. We were very pleased with his ability to both cover material and instill confidence. I recommend him highly". - Mrs. Anne L., very satisfied parent.
"Dr. Donnelly, Thank you again for helping Bianca get into her first choice school. She is so excited to be going to Bronx Science. Bianca learned so much from your teaching skills and different techniques that you taught her" - Elsa R., very satisfied parent.
"Oliver got into his first choice! BRONX SCIENCE. SCORE 536. He would not have made it without you. Thank you!" - Charles B., very satisfied parent.
"Dr. Donnelly, another success story for your statistics. Abe got his early acceptance to Bronx Science in the mail yesterday with his mark of 594...so he could have been accepted to Stuyvesant if he had selected it as his first option. Many thanks for your efforts with Abe" - Anne - very satisfied parent.
"Dr Donnelly taught me clearly in a very short time. It was very effective just before my exam, and the results turned out to be great! He was nice and encouraging, and I enjoyed his lessons." - James R., student (NYC)
Everything you need to know about the SHSAT
An Overview of the SHSAT |
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WHICH SCHOOLS ACCEPT THE SHSAT AND WHAT ARE THE CUT-OFF SCORES? |
The SHSAT (The New York City Specialized High Schools Admissions Test) is used for admission to the following schools:
The cut-off scores for each school vary yearly, determined by the number of open places in each school and how the candidates score. Students are notified of their scores in February. Although NYC Department of Education does not release official cutoff scores, the estimated cut-off scores during 2010-2011 were:
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TESTING LOCATIONS |
The test is given in early November in all 5 boroughs:
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REGISTERING FOR THE SHSAT |
You must register for the SHSAT through your school guidance counselor. |
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HOW LONG IS THE SHSAT? |
2 hours and 30 minutes in total:
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HOW IS THE SHSAT SCORED? |
There is no penalty for wrong answers or unanswered questions. The total number of correct answers (the raw score) is converted into a scaled score through a formula that the Department of Education does not release, and which varies from year to year. This scaled score, an integer between 200 and 800, is used to determine a student's standing. The scaled score is not proportional to the raw scores. |
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A November 2005 New York Times article found that students scoring in the 90th percentile on both sections would not gain admittance to their first choice schools; meanwhile those scoring in the 99th percentile on one section and the 50th percentile on the other, would. This happens because the final grade and percentile represent the total score and the curve within sections. | |
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HOW CAN I GREATLY IMPROVE MY CHANCE OF SUCCESS IN THE SHSAT? |
Contact Dr. Donnelly for private SHSAT tutoring and intensive test prep at
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SHSAT - Section by Section
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| MATH SECTION | 75 minute section
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| VERBAL SECTION | 75 minute section
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To learn more please select the relevant link below or contact Dr. Donnelly at
